The loyalty of Mormons

What is the defining characteristic of Mormon faith? Loyalty.

I just read through the TIME magazine article called "The Mormon Identity" (here's the cover - The Mormon Identity).

At the core of what it means to be a Mormon (as far as I can discern as a student of religion and an observer of the LDS faith) is loyalty. Loyalty to family, to clan, to the Church, and most importantly loyalty to the Prophet. This is the bedrock characteristic of Mormon faith. Given their early history of persecution, you can see how the community was defensive in posture. Loyalty to the Prophet Joseph Smith was  the key to ensuring the community's  initial survival. Doctrine has been important also, but not like it is in various Christian churches. This explains, in part, how Mormon's like Romney can be so pragmatic and change positions as needed to fit the circumstances. As long as he remains loyal and he is working to ensure that their community survives and thrives, then a good Mormon will adjust as needed - within certain limits, of course. This helps to explain, also, why family cohesion is so crucial for Mormon's. 

The LDS religion is the quintessential American religion. It was created here, and America is central to its understanding of life and history. American national success is closely linked with a Mormon understanding of the world's destiny. I think we can all get used to having a Mormon run for president. Joseph Smith did it himself. Now that there are so many financially successful Mormons, I expect that there will be a continual supply of wealthy Mormons running for president in the decades to come.